Autism Therapists in Barrie, ON
I provide psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults, including the identification of learning, attentional, autism spectrum and mental health concerns.
Throughout life's stages of growth and change, we experience times when we thrive and times when challenges arise. I provide psychological assessment and therapy for children, teens and adults who may be facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, or issues of self-worth. I also support clients and families navigating transitions or seeking clarity about learning, attention or social-emotional needs. Whether the goal is to better understand a diagnosis, explore strategies for coping, or create a plan for growth, I work collaboratively with clients and families to build trust, highlight strengths, and support meaningful change.
I provide psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults, including the identification of learning, attentional, autism spectrum and mental health concerns.
Throughout life's stages of growth and change, we experience times when we thrive and times when challenges arise. I provide psychological assessment and therapy for children, teens and adults who may be facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, or issues of self-worth. I also support clients and families navigating transitions or seeking clarity about learning, attention or social-emotional needs. Whether the goal is to better understand a diagnosis, explore strategies for coping, or create a plan for growth, I work collaboratively with clients and families to build trust, highlight strengths, and support meaningful change.
I would like to acknowledge and honour your consideration to reach out for support. It is not always easy and can feel vulnerable. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” You are the expert of your life, however most of us need extra support to cope with the challenges that can arise in our daily lives. In today’s climate you may be feeling exhausted and access to the usual resources may be limited. This can be a lonely feeling and may be described as trauma – anything that you lack the resources to get through.
I would like to acknowledge and honour your consideration to reach out for support. It is not always easy and can feel vulnerable. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” You are the expert of your life, however most of us need extra support to cope with the challenges that can arise in our daily lives. In today’s climate you may be feeling exhausted and access to the usual resources may be limited. This can be a lonely feeling and may be described as trauma – anything that you lack the resources to get through.
As the Clinical Director at On Solid Ground Inc in Barrie, we specialize in working with families with children with Autism or behavioural challenges; parents who want to learn alternate ways of engaging with their child to produce improved interactions, communication, social and life skills.
Our services are rooted in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the science of learning. We work intensively with children and their families to help them achieve critical life skills, communication and social abilities to live their lives with greater peace, understanding and connection.
As the Clinical Director at On Solid Ground Inc in Barrie, we specialize in working with families with children with Autism or behavioural challenges; parents who want to learn alternate ways of engaging with their child to produce improved interactions, communication, social and life skills.
Our services are rooted in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the science of learning. We work intensively with children and their families to help them achieve critical life skills, communication and social abilities to live their lives with greater peace, understanding and connection.
I am a child, adolescent, adult, and family psychologist. I am a founding partner at Central Ontario Psychology (COP) which is a full service psychology practice offering comprehensive psychological and educational assessment and treatment services in the Simcoe County (Barrie) and York Region (Newmarket) areas. We have several highly skilled clinicians and associates who work with us at COP. Our outstanding clinicians see children, youth, adults, and families for a wide range of psychological concerns. We emphasize compassion, integrity, innovation, excellence and collaboration in all the work that we do.
I am a child, adolescent, adult, and family psychologist. I am a founding partner at Central Ontario Psychology (COP) which is a full service psychology practice offering comprehensive psychological and educational assessment and treatment services in the Simcoe County (Barrie) and York Region (Newmarket) areas. We have several highly skilled clinicians and associates who work with us at COP. Our outstanding clinicians see children, youth, adults, and families for a wide range of psychological concerns. We emphasize compassion, integrity, innovation, excellence and collaboration in all the work that we do.
With a background in social work and education, I specialize in supporting parents raising children with autism and other unique needs.
I walk alongside you, offering support as you navigate life’s challenges, whether it’s advocating within the school system, supporting a child with emotional dysregulation or working through relationship struggles. Together, we’ll move at your pace, building clarity, confidence, and connection in a space where you feel truly heard and supported.
With a background in social work and education, I specialize in supporting parents raising children with autism and other unique needs.
I walk alongside you, offering support as you navigate life’s challenges, whether it’s advocating within the school system, supporting a child with emotional dysregulation or working through relationship struggles. Together, we’ll move at your pace, building clarity, confidence, and connection in a space where you feel truly heard and supported.
I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and am working toward full registration. From January to August 2026, I will be completing my practicum, offering both in-person and online sessions. I focus on creating a warm, welcoming therapeutic space that fosters connection, emotional safety, and personal growth. I work with children (7+), teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress.
I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and am working toward full registration. From January to August 2026, I will be completing my practicum, offering both in-person and online sessions. I focus on creating a warm, welcoming therapeutic space that fosters connection, emotional safety, and personal growth. I work with children (7+), teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Emily Simms
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Neurodiversity affirming Autism Clinical Specialist and I work from a strengths-based approach, uncovering each individual's unique strengths and helping empower them to achieve their goals.
I’m passionate about finding the coping skills and strategies that work best for your brain and your lifestyle. Because of this, my therapy approach is eclectic an collaborative. I am always open to feedback around how to better support you on your journey and will adapt my style to find an approach that resonates.
I am a Neurodiversity affirming Autism Clinical Specialist and I work from a strengths-based approach, uncovering each individual's unique strengths and helping empower them to achieve their goals.
I’m passionate about finding the coping skills and strategies that work best for your brain and your lifestyle. Because of this, my therapy approach is eclectic an collaborative. I am always open to feedback around how to better support you on your journey and will adapt my style to find an approach that resonates.
Many of the clients I work with are trying to hold everything together while feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or emotionally drained. I provide a warm, understanding space for individuals, couples, and families to slow down and make sense of life’s challenges. Whether you are facing conflict in your relationship, navigating parenting stress, or coping with anxiety and depression, therapy offers a chance to rebuild connection, strengthen communication, and rediscover hope.
Many of the clients I work with are trying to hold everything together while feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or emotionally drained. I provide a warm, understanding space for individuals, couples, and families to slow down and make sense of life’s challenges. Whether you are facing conflict in your relationship, navigating parenting stress, or coping with anxiety and depression, therapy offers a chance to rebuild connection, strengthen communication, and rediscover hope.
In addition I have extensive experience working with individuals who have ADHD, autism, and/or intellectual disabilities.
Using strength-based and person-centred principles, integrating Adlerian therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) I collaborate with you to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals focusing on building insight and developing practical coping strategies
In addition I have extensive experience working with individuals who have ADHD, autism, and/or intellectual disabilities.
Using strength-based and person-centred principles, integrating Adlerian therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) I collaborate with you to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals focusing on building insight and developing practical coping strategies
My long-standing experience with neurodivergent children, youth, and their families will provide you with the reassurance you need to move forward.
I have extensive training and involvement with Autistic children & youth, as well as ADHD, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. I am trained in Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, TraumaPlay, Theraplay, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, and Applied Behaviour Analysis.
My long-standing experience with neurodivergent children, youth, and their families will provide you with the reassurance you need to move forward.
I have extensive training and involvement with Autistic children & youth, as well as ADHD, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. I am trained in Play Therapy, AutPlay Therapy, TraumaPlay, Theraplay, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, and Applied Behaviour Analysis.
I work with children, teens and adults with specialization in ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities and suicidal ideation.
Sometimes reaching out for support can feel uncomfortable—like maybe you should be able to handle things on your own, or like asking for help means something is wrong with you. Those thoughts can be heavy and isolating, especially when you’re already doing your best just to get through the day. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to begin or whether you’ll be understood, you’re not alone. I offer a calm, welcoming space where you don’t have to edit yourself or have all the answers. I move at whatever pace that aligns with you, as this is a space where your story matters, and where you get to show up just as you are.
I work with children, teens and adults with specialization in ADHD, autism, intellectual disabilities and suicidal ideation.
Sometimes reaching out for support can feel uncomfortable—like maybe you should be able to handle things on your own, or like asking for help means something is wrong with you. Those thoughts can be heavy and isolating, especially when you’re already doing your best just to get through the day. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to begin or whether you’ll be understood, you’re not alone. I offer a calm, welcoming space where you don’t have to edit yourself or have all the answers. I move at whatever pace that aligns with you, as this is a space where your story matters, and where you get to show up just as you are.
I am an eclectic practitioner and often draw from different models of therapy to best suit your needs and wants in the therapeutic space. I follow a person-centered approach to my work where your wants and needs are at the forefront while also honouring unconditional empathic, positive regard and genuineness. I also adhere to cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice as well as many of its umbrella members used to support the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
I am an eclectic practitioner and often draw from different models of therapy to best suit your needs and wants in the therapeutic space. I follow a person-centered approach to my work where your wants and needs are at the forefront while also honouring unconditional empathic, positive regard and genuineness. I also adhere to cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice as well as many of its umbrella members used to support the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
I enjoy supporting children and their families who are navigating difficulties with parent/child conflict, children identified with ASD, emotion regulation, anxiety and attention difficulties, as well as self-esteem.
I take a collaborative approach that draws on a variety of therapeutic practices to meet the needs of those I work alongside. I like to use elements of humour and light-heartedness to help clients feel more comfortable exploring their challenges while also recognizing and building on their strengths to move forward with confidence and success.
I enjoy supporting children and their families who are navigating difficulties with parent/child conflict, children identified with ASD, emotion regulation, anxiety and attention difficulties, as well as self-esteem.
I take a collaborative approach that draws on a variety of therapeutic practices to meet the needs of those I work alongside. I like to use elements of humour and light-heartedness to help clients feel more comfortable exploring their challenges while also recognizing and building on their strengths to move forward with confidence and success.
My approach is informed by cognitive behavioural therapy and solution focused brief therapy, along with experience working with neurodivergent individuals including ADHD and ASD.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to manage stress, emotions, or ongoing challenges in your life, therapy can offer a space to slow things down and gain clarity. I work with youth and adults supporting anxiety, depression, workplace burnout, men’s mental health, and concerns related to identity and self worth.
My approach is informed by cognitive behavioural therapy and solution focused brief therapy, along with experience working with neurodivergent individuals including ADHD and ASD.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to manage stress, emotions, or ongoing challenges in your life, therapy can offer a space to slow things down and gain clarity. I work with youth and adults supporting anxiety, depression, workplace burnout, men’s mental health, and concerns related to identity and self worth.
As well I have experience working from a neuroaffirming lens for the neurodivergent population including ADHD and autism.
Is your child finding it tough to manage their emotions and regulate themselves? Are you feeling a bit lost, unsure how best to support them? Not sure how to navigate their feelings of being bullied, conflicts with peers or loneliness? Perhaps you've recently gone through a separation or other life changes and you're worried about how your child is coping with it all? Understanding and managing emotions can be really tricky for kids, and it can leave them feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and alone. I'm here with genuine care and understanding, ready to offer a safe and non-judgemental space to navigate and explore these challenges.
As well I have experience working from a neuroaffirming lens for the neurodivergent population including ADHD and autism.
Is your child finding it tough to manage their emotions and regulate themselves? Are you feeling a bit lost, unsure how best to support them? Not sure how to navigate their feelings of being bullied, conflicts with peers or loneliness? Perhaps you've recently gone through a separation or other life changes and you're worried about how your child is coping with it all? Understanding and managing emotions can be really tricky for kids, and it can leave them feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and alone. I'm here with genuine care and understanding, ready to offer a safe and non-judgemental space to navigate and explore these challenges.
I provide online therapy for ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation, and relationship challenges.
I offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy that is warm, practical, and tailored to your needs. Sessions move at your pace, without pressure or judgment. Together, we build tools for anxiety, emotional regulation, communication, relationships, and burnout while creating change that feels manageable and supportive in everyday life.
I provide online therapy for ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation, and relationship challenges.
I offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy that is warm, practical, and tailored to your needs. Sessions move at your pace, without pressure or judgment. Together, we build tools for anxiety, emotional regulation, communication, relationships, and burnout while creating change that feels manageable and supportive in everyday life.
I work with children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, learning disabilities and Autism.
Are you or your child looking for therapy that actually works with your brain instead of against it? Are you trapped in your head and overwhelmed by big emotions, Drama therapy could be a good fit for you. Navigating school, friendships, or independence, therapy can help you build confidence, manage emotions, and feel more at ease being yourself. Currently, struggling with shutdowns, communication, or feeling disconnected from yourself, therapy can help you build confidence, manage energy, and feel calmer in the present moment. I work well with those who often feel misunderstood or judged.
I work with children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, learning disabilities and Autism.
Are you or your child looking for therapy that actually works with your brain instead of against it? Are you trapped in your head and overwhelmed by big emotions, Drama therapy could be a good fit for you. Navigating school, friendships, or independence, therapy can help you build confidence, manage emotions, and feel more at ease being yourself. Currently, struggling with shutdowns, communication, or feeling disconnected from yourself, therapy can help you build confidence, manage energy, and feel calmer in the present moment. I work well with those who often feel misunderstood or judged.
Whether you are navigating Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or both, the world often demands a type of social performance that leads to deep exhaustion and a loss of self.
Our work goes beyond simple 'social skills'—we tackle the Double Empathy Problem by exploring how you can communicate your needs without losing your identity to masking. We combine these practical tools with an existential lens, examining how your unique brain shapes your sense of purpose, relationships, and place in the world.
Whether you are navigating Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or both, the world often demands a type of social performance that leads to deep exhaustion and a loss of self.
Our work goes beyond simple 'social skills'—we tackle the Double Empathy Problem by exploring how you can communicate your needs without losing your identity to masking. We combine these practical tools with an existential lens, examining how your unique brain shapes your sense of purpose, relationships, and place in the world.
ADHD/ ASD, Stress/Anxiety, OCD, Relationships, Postpartum- Perhaps you're struggling to get things done and are getting overwhelmed and procrastinate as a result.
Together, we will explore your unique challenges and figure out concrete ways to achieve your wellness goals. In addition to my specialities and general mental health concerns, I have a keen interest in supporting new/expecting moms navigate motherhood as well as supporting kids/teens of parents going through divorce, and family conflicts in general.
ADHD/ ASD, Stress/Anxiety, OCD, Relationships, Postpartum- Perhaps you're struggling to get things done and are getting overwhelmed and procrastinate as a result.
Together, we will explore your unique challenges and figure out concrete ways to achieve your wellness goals. In addition to my specialities and general mental health concerns, I have a keen interest in supporting new/expecting moms navigate motherhood as well as supporting kids/teens of parents going through divorce, and family conflicts in general.
Welcome! I'm a social worker with over 15 years of experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating the dynamic adversities of life. Individuals come to me feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to support their child, or are facing complex dynamics in their everyday life. Others are moving through fertility journeys, pregnancy, postpartum, or relationship changes. I aim to provide a collaborative, non-judgmental space and use evidence-informed, attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches to strengthen insight, regulation, and connection so families can move forward with confidence.
Welcome! I'm a social worker with over 15 years of experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating the dynamic adversities of life. Individuals come to me feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to support their child, or are facing complex dynamics in their everyday life. Others are moving through fertility journeys, pregnancy, postpartum, or relationship changes. I aim to provide a collaborative, non-judgmental space and use evidence-informed, attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches to strengthen insight, regulation, and connection so families can move forward with confidence.
See more therapy options for Barrie
Nearby Autism Counsellors Searches for Barrie
- Alliston
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- Keswick
- Midland
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- Wasaga Beach
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.